7 Days Gion Festival Tour 7 Days

Gion Festival, the festival of Yasaka Shrine, is the most famous festival in Japan. It takes place over the entire month of July. There are many different events, but two are particularly renowned.

Gion Festival

There are many different events, but two are particularly renowned: the Yamaboko Junko, a procession of floats on July 17th; and Yoiyama, the festive evenings preceding the procession.

Gion Festival

Fushimi Inari Shrine is visually stunning: thousands of torii gates form an unbroken tunnel of red leading to the crest of Mount Inari. This is the most popular sightseeing site to foreigners.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) is located at the foot of Kinugasa hill. It is the one of the most popular Japan tour sight; it is a famous structure from the Muromachi period. (14-16 Century)

Golden Pavilion

Tokyo Tower, standing at 333 meters high, is one of Japan’s prominent landmarks. Located in Minato, Tokyo it is the second tallest structure in Japan, following the Tokyo Sky Tree that was recently created in 2012.

Tokyo Tower

Asakusa & Nakamise Shopping Street is a 300 m approach to Sensoji temple, and is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. The perfect place during your Japan tour to pick up souvenirs, the arcade dates back to the late 17th century.

Asakusa

Yukata is Japanese traditional clothing. Why do not you wear a yukata and take commemorative photos in the town of Kyoto? It is a popular experience to tourists comes from foreign countries.

Yukata

This is the museum recreated what life looked like during Japan's Edo Period. In order to inherit culture, materials are exhibited. There is a great level of detail that is involved with each of the replicas, to provide an authentic feel.

Edo Fukagawa Museum

Known as The Bullet Train, The Shinkansen fascinates foreign tourists. Since October 1964, the Shinkansen has been developed as the fastest and safest train. During your Japan tour enjoy a ride on the Shinkansen.

Tour Descriptions

Explore the finest parts between Tokyo and Kyoto all while enjoying one of Japan's most famous festivals on our Kyoto Gion Festival Japan Tour. Enjoy the colorful floats, the sound of drums, and the smells of delicious foods during the festival! Enjoy hot springs, a kimono show, and a traditional multi-course meal, the perfect cultural experiences in addition to the fun during the Gion festival!

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is the perfect place to stay whether your trip is for business or leisure. The five-star hotel is equip with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, restaurants, bars, a gym, etc. Located at Odaiba, the hotel offers amazing views of Tokyo waterfront and the Rainbow Bridge. Enjoy the serene and eye catching scenery and entertainment in the area. Joypolis Amusement Park, Diver Aqua City Mall, and Fuji TV Tower are all located near the hotel.

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is the perfect place to stay whether your trip is for business or leisure. The five-star hotel is equip with an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, restaurants, bars, a gym, etc. Located at Odaiba, the hotel offers amazing views of Tokyo waterfront and the Rainbow Bridge. Enjoy the serene and eye catching scenery and entertainment in the area. Joypolis Amusement Park, Diver Aqua City Mall, and Fuji TV Tower are all located near the hotel.

*Tsukiji Fish Market is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. In the Event it is closed, we will skip this stop

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first stop by the Fukagawa Edo Museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during the old days of Edo. Walk through the city and enjoy walking into houses that recreate life during the period. We will also visit the Kiyosumi Garden located nearby. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through a Japanese garden, and be sure to take a picture of the tea house on the waters.

We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). For lunch, enjoy sushi with fish provided by the Tsukiji Fish Market, the famous fish market that provides freshest ingredients for thousands of families and businesses alike.

Following our time at the market, the tour will probe the stores at Harajuku, the unofficial fashion capital of Japan that offers the latest pop culture and fashion. Experience the chaos and beauty that is Takeshita Dori, the place to go for fashion and crepes. Before leaving Takeshita Dori, walk along Omotesando street, a popular shopping destination lined with trendy cafe's in between. Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily, and to see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.

[The main building]
Located on high ground that offers view of Atami's seashore and night skyline.The large public baths are full-length,and the other faclities include jet baths.Shuttle available to enjoy the hot springs at Kanponoyado Atami.
[The annex building]
Offers a sweeping view of Sagami Bay.You can enjoy the night view of the shining deep-blue sea.

Our morning begins with a visit to the Iyashi no Sato, a traditional craft open-air museum reconstructed from the village's thatched roofed houses. Each house features a different exhibit, workshop, or cafe, including some cooking lessons. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this dish is truly a local Japanese specialty. We will continue our journey to Hakone after our time in Tokyo.

Enjoy a ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. There you will get a taste of the local Japanese food, the black egg, cooked in one of the craters. It's said eating one of these eggs will add years to your life! This Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese meal known as Kaiseki Ryori!

Kyoto New Miyako Hotel is in the heart of the city. Directly across from Kyoto Station, it's easy access to other location in Kyoto and Japan. The hotel has great dining options and unique boutiques. Nearby the hotel is the Nishiki Market and Ryozen Museum of History.

Our day begins with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

We will stop at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink. We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind.

Once we get all our photos done, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. We then return to the hotel.

Kyoto New Miyako Hotel is in the heart of the city. Directly across from Kyoto Station, it's easy access to other location in Kyoto and Japan. The hotel has great dining options and unique boutiques. Nearby the hotel is the Nishiki Market and Ryozen Museum of History.

Our day begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After taking pictures, it's off to Ryoanji Temple to see the stunning rock gardens. Not all Japanese temples have them, so we made sure to include one of Kyoto's zen gardens.

To avoid getting too repetitive with the temples and shrines, we include a visit to the Nishijin Textile Center for a stunning kimono show! Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax before going back to the hotel.

In the evening, we will head to the Gion Geisha District, Japan’s most famous geisha district. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses and the area in Japan that you are most likely to run into real geisha and maiko on their way to perform at the Gion Geisha Center.

Day6

Day 6Kyoto | Magnificent Floats of the Gion Festival Breakfast

Breakfast

Featured Destinations & Experiences

Kyoto New Miyako Hotel is in the heart of the city. Directly across from Kyoto Station, it's easy access to other location in Kyoto and Japan. The hotel has great dining options and unique boutiques. Nearby the hotel is the Nishiki Market and Ryozen Museum of History.

Today is the day of the Kyoto Gion Festival, the most famous festival in Japan. There are hundreds of food vendors, carnival games, activities, parades, art displays, and more.

The highlight of the event is definitely the procession of its magnificent floats which weigh up to 12 tons. Be sure to check out the food booths for some a wide selection of delicious Japanese festival foods.

▪Important Notice▪
*Itinerary and hotels are subject to change or cancellation without notice. No refund will be owed for any changes or cancellations if the tour still occurs.
*Complimentary airport/hotel transfers are for designated airports only, on the designated tour arrival/departure date only.
*Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour.
Please make a note that your bus and tour guide may be changed once other groups join the tour.
*B : Breakfast L : Lunch D : Dinner

Important Information

The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room.

Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.

You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

We understand sometimes unanticipated situations may arise before or even during your Japan tour. In order to best assist you when things don't go as planned, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance offered through Travel Guard® Insurance.

Day 1Tokyo Arrival

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

*Tsukiji Fish Market is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. In the Event it is closed, we will skip this stop

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first stop by the Fukagawa Edo Museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during the old days of Edo. Walk through the city and enjoy walking into houses that recreate life during the period. We will also visit the Kiyosumi Garden located nearby. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through a Japanese garden, and be sure to take a picture of the tea house on the waters.

We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). For lunch, enjoy sushi with fish provided by the Tsukiji Fish Market, the famous fish market that provides freshest ingredients for thousands of families and businesses alike.

Following our time at the market, the tour will probe the stores at Harajuku, the unofficial fashion capital of Japan that offers the latest pop culture and fashion. Experience the chaos and beauty that is Takeshita Dori, the place to go for fashion and crepes. Before leaving Takeshita Dori, walk along Omotesando street, a popular shopping destination lined with trendy cafe's in between. Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily, and to see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.

Day 3Mt. Fuji & Hakone | Traditional Crafts & Hot-Springs

Our morning begins with a visit to the Iyashi no Sato, a traditional craft open-air museum reconstructed from the village's thatched roofed houses. Each house features a different exhibit, workshop, or cafe, including some cooking lessons. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this dish is truly a local Japanese specialty. We will continue our journey to Hakone after our time in Tokyo.

Enjoy a ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. There you will get a taste of the local Japanese food, the black egg, cooked in one of the craters. It's said eating one of these eggs will add years to your life! This Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese meal known as Kaiseki Ryori!

Our day begins with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

We will stop at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink. We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind.

Once we get all our photos done, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. We then return to the hotel.

Day 5Kyoto | Stunning Kimono Show & Rock Garden

Our day begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After taking pictures, it's off to Ryoanji Temple to see the stunning rock gardens. Not all Japanese temples have them, so we made sure to include one of Kyoto's zen gardens.

To avoid getting too repetitive with the temples and shrines, we include a visit to the Nishijin Textile Center for a stunning kimono show! Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax before going back to the hotel.

In the evening, we will head to the Gion Geisha District, Japan’s most famous geisha district. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses and the area in Japan that you are most likely to run into real geisha and maiko on their way to perform at the Gion Geisha Center.

Day 6Kyoto | Magnificent Floats of the Gion Festival

Today is the day of the Kyoto Gion Festival, the most famous festival in Japan. There are hundreds of food vendors, carnival games, activities, parades, art displays, and more.

The highlight of the event is definitely the procession of its magnificent floats which weigh up to 12 tons. Be sure to check out the food booths for some a wide selection of delicious Japanese festival foods.

Dining Experience

Kaiseki Ryori

It is a traditional Japanese multi course meal consists of multiple small dishes starting with appetizers and sashimi then leading to the main dishes tempura and grilled fish, rice, pickled vegetables, and miso soup.

Hoto

Hōtō is a popular dish in Yamanashi made using miso soup and flat udon noodles. While some may consider Hōtō a variant of udon, locals consider this a unique dish separate to the popular thick noodles.

Sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market

It traditionally consists of seafood placed on top of a small, bite sized portion of vinegared white. The seafood is usually a sliced piece of raw fish; tuna, salmon, yellow tail, or seafood such as shrimp or uni.

Customer Reviews

Best place visited during the tour: Mt. Fuji
Best experience had in Japan:
Any place you want to visit again/next time: A traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn)
Hiroko was the best tour guide! The best tour guide I have ever had. Very enthusiastic and keen, she is number 1!

Best place visited during the tour: Deer Park
Best experience had in Japan: shopping at Kyoto Shopping district
Any place you want to visit again/next time: Cat Cafe
I really enjoyed this tour and the group we were with were fantastic. Hiroko and everyone made this a special first trip to...

Best place visited during the tour: Add-on-Takayama- before tour started. On tour - Fushimi Inari Shrine
Best experience had in Japan: Staying in Ryokan and onsen and Owl Cafe
Any place you want to visit again/next time: unknown
Hiroko-the BEST GUIDE I've ever had in 20 years of travel!...

Best place visited during the tour: Rope-way in Hakone overlooking Ashi Lake
Best experience had in Japan: Seeing the Japanese culture and landscape with wonderful people
Any place you want to visit again/next time: The Electronic City, the hub of technology (Akihabara)
We stayed 2 days...

This trip to Japan was well done by Japan Deluxe Tours. To start, the tour guide was very helpful to each patron and their needs. Along with a great tour guide, the food was delicious with a variety of Japanese meals with a few western options available as well. Had such a positive experience on...

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Went on the Gion Festival Tour of Japan to experience this country. There were many sites we stopped at during this tour but the accommodations at each were always perfect. The hotels were enjoyable and served good meals at each. Our tour guide worked hard for us to make sure we all were enjoying...

A very interesting experience on the Gion Festival Japan Tour. With so many sights to see, we were hoping our tour guide Kayo should have give more details and information on the sights before we get there so you have more background on what you are about to see. However, our tour guide was very...

We were able to get excellent seats during the Gion Festival Parade in Kyoto. Kyoto Gion Festival was a highlight of this Japan Tour. Also, our tour guide was very versatile at changing the itinerary when unexpected issues, such as rain, came up. Good tour great job!

Had an enjoyable Japan tour thanks to our lovely tour guide. While there were issues due to weather and a change in our travel plans, Kayo handled everything to make sure we would still be able to enjoy our Japan tour. Her English is terrific as well. A small suggestion would be with such long...

Thank you very much for letting me have such an excellent experience and a promising stay here in beautiful Japan. All the services your company provided were excellent. I was taken aback at how beautiful Japan really is. Every sight we visited during this Japan tour was marvelous. Thank you...

Thank you so much Japan Deluxe Tours for this wonderful Japan tour. If I could, I would tour Japan again. I will cherish these memories and bring them home with me. Thank you Japan Deluxe Tours I enjoyed every second of these experiences. I hope to see everyone in Hawaii! Aloha

Thank you so much for the excellent hospitality that Japan have given to us. During this Japan tour, we felt like a part of Japan. We love you from Hawaii. Everything was well done from your company. Excellent hotels and our tour guide was absolutely wonderful. Hope to see everyone there in...

It was nice to visit many of the major Japanese sights. We saw so many sights and had a great experience in Japan everywhere we went. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Your tour guide Chiko-san was so polite and an excellent guide.The bus driver Kondo-san was very polite, helpful and...

The entire Japan tour was great, but what really set it apart was having the No. 1 tour guide. She made this tour of Japan unforgettable! This trip was very good!! Had a great time going to Japan touring all there is to see. Can't stress enough how great our tour guide was. All of the help and...